India’s journey towards defending their men’s T20 World Cup crown begins with the Asia Cup in the UAE, starting on September 9. The following day, India will play their first match, setting the tone for the build-up to the big tournament in February 2025. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are set to announce India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad on Tuesday, and this decision will give the clearest idea of India’s core plans. Several tough calls await, from picking openers to balancing the bowling unit.
The Opening Puzzle: Gill, Jaiswal, or Samson?

One of the biggest questions for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad is who opens with Abhishek Sharma. In recent months, Abhishek and Sanju Samson have opened in each of India’s last 12 T20 internationals. Abhishek has been in excellent form, particularly in the home series against England in January. He scored 279 runs at a breathtaking strike rate of 219.68, including a stunning 135 off just 54 balls at Wankhede. On top of his batting, his left-arm spin gives India a valuable extra option, as seen in the same series where he picked up three wickets in just five overs.
Samson, however, has been less consistent. Injuries and his struggles in the IPL reduced his rhythm. Against England, Jofra Archer’s pace and short-pitched bowling caused him repeated trouble. Yet, his form prior to that was sensational, smashing three centuries in five innings against South Africa and Bangladesh. If selectors choose continuity for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad, Samson might retain his spot, but the return of Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal could push him out.
Jaiswal was India’s back-up opener in last year’s World Cup, while Gill, now India’s Test captain, travelled as a reserve before leading the side in Zimbabwe and serving as vice-captain in Sri Lanka. Abhishek looks locked in as one opener, leaving one slot open for a direct face-off between Samson, Gill, and Jaiswal in India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad.
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Middle-Order Battles: Tilak, Shreyas, and the Finishers

Moving into the middle order, India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad will certainly feature Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel. Beyond them, two or possibly three spots are up for grabs. At number three, the competition is likely between Tilak Varma and Shreyas Iyer.
Tilak impressed in South Africa, scoring 280 runs with two centuries at a blazing strike rate of 198.48. However, his IPL season was less eye-catching, with 343 runs at an average of 31.18 and a strike rate of 138.30. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, enjoyed one of the best IPL campaigns in history. For Punjab Kings, he piled up more than 600 runs at a strike rate of 175.07, second only to Chris Gayle (2011) and Suryakumar (2023) among those with such a volume of runs. His ability to dominate spin makes him a strong candidate for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad.
If India prefers Tilak or Shreyas at No. 3, Suryakumar will naturally slot in at No. 4. The bigger question then becomes whether India needs a wicketkeeper-finisher at No. 5 or No. 6. If Sanju Samson is not retained, the explosive Jitesh Sharma, who thrives in the role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, could be drafted into India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad as the second keeper.
Lower down, Shivam Dube remains an important contender. He has been a consistent performer for India in T20Is and was Chennai Super Kings’ leading scorer in IPL 2025. Riyan Parag, returning from injury, is also in the mix, though he hasn’t played since last year against Bangladesh. Rinku Singh might struggle to fit in since he doesn’t offer a bowling option, which is vital for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad.
Selectors could also consider left-field choices like Ramandeep Singh and young legspinning allrounder Vipraj Nigam. Nigam’s breakout IPL season with Delhi Capitals, where he picked 11 wickets and scored 142 runs at a strike rate near 180, puts him firmly on the radar for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad. Ramandeep, however, had a disappointing IPL with just 47 runs in seven innings.
The Bowling Mix: Spin Twins or Pace Depth?

Bowling balance could be India’s trickiest challenge. In the spin department, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav present an interesting debate for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad. Kuldeep missed the England series earlier this year due to injury, during which Varun stepped up brilliantly. His 14 wickets in just five games at an economy of 7.66 made him the highest wicket-taker. That success even earned him a place in India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad in the UAE, where he and Kuldeep combined in a four-man spin attack.
However, fielding both together in T20s would mean sacrificing either batting depth or pace options. In such a scenario, Hardik Pandya’s role as a second seamer becomes crucial for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad.
For the pace attack, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are guaranteed starters. Bumrah’s experience and Arshdeep’s status as India’s highest T20I wicket-taker give them a natural edge. The third seamer’s slot is more open. Prasidh Krishna, who won the purple cap in IPL 2025, and Harshit Rana, who impressed with three wickets on debut against England, are the frontrunners. Rana’s energy and Prasidh’s consistency make it a close call for India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad.
Washington Sundar is another name in contention, mainly because he is the only specialist offspinner available. If the selectors value variety, Sundar’s presence could be key to balancing a spin-heavy attack in India’s 2025 T20 World Cup Squad.
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